Therapy dogs often provide comfort and affection to people in institutes such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and people in hospice. Many times people interchange therapy dogs for service dogs or emotional support animals, but they each serve a different purpose, undergo a unique set of training, and assist different groups of people.
Therapy dogs are broken down into three main categories. The first is Therapeutic Visitation Animals; these animals are usually someone’s household pet that has been trained to bring comfort to people who are away from home due to a mental or physical illness. The next therapy dogs are Animal-Assisted Therapy Animals who work with a physical or occupational therapist in rehabilitation centers to assist individuals to meet their goals, beyond emotional support, such as helping patients re-learn everyday tasks. The last therapy dog classification is a Facility Therapy Animal, this category serves people experiencing Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other mental illnesses in a nursing home and assisted living facilities. If you are looking for a Therapy Dog, we are going to break down the best 5 Dog Breeds to assist your needs.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
It is no surprise Golden Retrievers make a great therapy dog. This breed is known as the perfect family dog as it is gentle, loving, and highly intelligent. Golden Retrievers are very quick learners and easy to train.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
These small dogs love to please their owners. With their long ears and sweet faces, they are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face in need of one. While they are very easy to train, they require sensitive training to avoid becoming shy and fearful of meeting strangers.
GERMAN SHEPARD
Just like the Golden Retriever, it isn’t a surprise to see German Shepards make the list. An overall great dog, very smart, intuitive, and easy to train. German Shepards are protectors and loyal companions. What makes them a great therapy dog is that their size is perfect for patients in physical and occupational settings to help them complete physical activities.
BORDER COLLIE
Collies are intelligent and love to please their owners. What makes this breed ideal as a therapy dog is its ability to form bonds with anyone they spend enough time with. These dogs initially were used to herd sheep as they are energetic and possess a readiness to learn.
FRENCH BULLDOG
French Bulldogs are one of the most common breeds that serve as therapy dogs. These small companions love to sit on your lap, to be pet, and take in all the love. The perfect dog for one’s mental and physical health. They are very adaptable which is perfect for meeting strangers!
There are so many more dog breeds that we didn’t mention here, but also make great therapy dogs! What’s most important is that these dogs provide comfort and support to people who need it the most. Is your dog well-tempered, gentle, clean, affectionate, intelligent, well-socialized, and up-to-date on its vaccines? Maybe your dog can help make a difference in people’s lives too! Be sure to do your research, learn about therapy dog certifications, and contact your local organizations to see what is required for your dog to become a Therapy Animal.
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